SINGLE SPOTLIGHT: Covet - “firebird”

 

Released: February 22nd, 2023

Triple Crown Records

Bandcamp / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify

Covet return once more with the first single off of their upcoming record, catharsis, entitled “firebird”! Featuring a new line-up with Brandon Dove on bass and Jessica Burdeaux behind the kit, the trio have already made promising strides touring the U.S. together during the tail-end of 2022. But now, we are given a glimpse into what the mathematical rock group (I know, them not virtually any act considered “math rock” anymore probably even claim the title, just going off how they’ve been recognized) sound like studio-recorded. As such, we’re illuminating “firebird” as today’s SINGLE SPOTLIGHT, as we bring the February edition to a close, even if this article is being posted on the second day of March…

The single is paired with a visually-pleasing video that features the band taking a joyride in, you guessed it, a Firebird Trans Am, adorably equipped with a custom license plate that reads ‘BANDIT’, a not-so-subtle reference that even if you don’t get, your parents most likely will. Honestly, just do a little Google search and you’ll quickly understand. Directed by Tom Flynn, the song works to grace the fun imagery presented in the video, as the band includes shots of them playing in a record store, riding around in the firebird, and even jamming in the middle of a street intersection with a bubble machine creating more of a vibe for the sunny weather around them. It almost looks like it was shot somewhere in Southern California, which would make sense given the band is based out of the Bay area. 

The song, overall, feels almost like “parachute (pt. 2)” in some regards. It has a similar upbeat, dancey feel, but is also minus the more somber tinge that “parachute” possessed. It’s full of fun little guitar embellishments, a nice groove on drums, and the bass even has its shining moments throughout. It’s absolutely the Covet we remember and love, but somehow better, if that makes sense. 

There’s a freedom and spirit I hear in Yvette’s performance on this track moreso than in past material that reminds me of the sort of catapulted energy found in Jimi Hendrix when he joined with Buddy Miles and Billy Cox. If this is is to be any representation of the entirety of the album, that is sure to shine all throughout as well. The same sort of relief expressed by Gerry Rafferty in “Baker Street” at the end of the song, where the narrator is realizing the end of his legal troubles is nigh and a new day has dawned, feels evident with Yvette’s current situation, too. Things certainly seem to be lining up and headed in a positive direction for Covet, and we’re here for it.

Typically speaking, I don’t usually find myself all that hooked into the “math rock” stuff much these days. Sure, all of it is cool and the amount of under-appreciated, immensely talented players within it is absurd – but it just doesn’t tend to resonate with me as some of the names have done in the past. But, something I appreciate about Covet, Polyphia, and bands of the like, is their approach to this style – In that they don’t really look to just pull a bunch of fretboard gymnastics or see how many notes on any given instrument can be fit into a single measure of music from song to song. Rather, they have a delightfully intricate, yet fun and catchy finesse to their songwriting, and it’s making both the complex, music-theory-oriented elements of music be retained and explored, while also keeping things open and accessible enough for all listeners of any background to enjoy. 

For what I’m hearing, “firebird” makes a great example of this. Even though almost any given section of what’s done on guitar, bass, or drums here might have even some of the most seasoned musicians scratching their heads reading over the tablature, it still doesn’t feel like something you have to have a niche appreciation of any sort in order to listen to and enjoy. The blending of these worlds – the catchy, vibey, dancey, fun aspects of pop music infused with the ‘big-brain’, complex, odd-timed, by-the-book technique-oriented elements and disciplines of jazz-like music – makes for something that only bridges more of that gap between deep divers and casual listeners. Covet may not exactly be aiming to do that whatsoever, but I think it’s one of a few things helping to keep them set apart and cut through the noise. Well, that and just being super good at what they do, of course, too!

Be sure to keep up with all things Covet at any of the links above! Give “firebird” a spin or two on that next nice summer day you venture out with the windows down on! Take this one out on the road with you! Please do not air guitar in the middle of an intersection despite all temptations; As cool as it looks in the music video…should maybe not try that stunt at home…